Indianapolis, Ind.– U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly spoke last evening with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro to press HUD to continue assisting in the safe relocation of the families in the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago. More than 1,000 residents have been impacted by high levels of lead and arsenic in the surrounding soil.

Donnelly said, “My focus continues to be first and foremost on the safety and well-being of the residents living in the West Calumet Complex. I spoke with Secretary Castro about the urgent need to take care of the impacted families and ensure they are relocated in the safest and least burdensome way possible. The contamination has created a number of difficult challenges for the East Chicago community and even more questions. I remain committed to working with the residents and local, state, and federal officials to get answers to those questions and support the impacted families.”

Donnelly’s call followed up on the letter he and Congressman Pete Visclosky sent to HUD Secretary Castro and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, urging them to “devote all appropriate time and attention to working with the city of East Chicago to enact a solution that will promptly protect the individuals living in the West Calumet Housing Complex.” Donnelly and his staff have been in regular contact with local, state, and federal officials, including HUD and EPA, both on the ground and in their regional and national offices. In addition to numerous meetings and phone calls, Donnelly’s staff also attended an open house last evening for impacted residents at Carrie Gosh Elementary School, which included federal officials and resources.

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